Lockdown effects on animals

The nationwide

lockdown

has affected not just human beings but the

animals

on the streets too who find themselves hungry and destitute in these trying times. However a few animals lovers have taken on the task to ease the sufferings of these animals.We talk to few animals lovers to share their experiences

Rakhi Puri looks after 180 street dogs between

Reis Magos

and Nerul. “ At my first stop I feed about 20 dogs when I got there I noticed two cops approaching me on a bike and I expected them to tell me to turn back and return, however I was taken aback when they stopped to thank me for feeding the dogs”. I feed them kibble tossed in mushy rice, with some wet food satchet contents. She calls animal lovers to stock up on medicines for animals, carry water with them, as the lockdown will mean a lot of stray animals will go hungry and are at risk from dehydration due to the heat. “ We must take care of these stray animals, as if they die the carcasses on the street which will be difficult to clear” adds Rakhi.

Sonia feeds cats in

Aldona

and 82 resident cats in Orlim and Pomburpa, she adds “Most of the suppliers are running out, and there are no supplies coming in.”

Jane Mortimer says “ My mum feeds around 50 animals but we are out of food. I want to go out feeding because of the situation I too do have food. I fed whoever I saw today with biscuits but I ran out of that too. I would request people moving out incase of emergencies to carry some biscuits if possible for these animals and to leave water bowls at the gate. The dogs are fighting in the streets because of hunger and many animals including birds are dropping dead.”

We applaud the efforts of these local heroes in caring for the strays and we can help out in any manner possible to support this noble cause.